Psalms 75:8

KJV

For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same: but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them].

KJV (with Strong's)

For in the hand {H3027} of the LORD {H3068} there is a cup {H3563}, and the wine {H3196} is red {H2560}{H8804)}; it is full {H4392} of mixture {H4538}; and he poureth out {H5064}{H8686)} of the same {H2088}: but the dregs {H8105} thereof, all the wicked {H7563} of the earth {H776} shall wring them out {H4680}{H8799)}, and drink {H8354}{H8799)} them.

Complete Jewish Bible

In ADONAI's hand there is a cup of wine, foaming, richly spiced; when he pours it out, all the wicked of the earth will drain it, drinking it to the dregs."

Berean Standard Bible

For a cup is in the hand of the LORD, full of foaming wine mixed with spices. He pours from His cup, and all the wicked of the earth drink it down to the dregs.

American Standard Version

For in the hand of Jehovah there is a cup, and the wine foameth; It is full of mixture, and he poureth out of the same: Surely the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall drain them, and drink them.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 75:8 powerfully declares God's absolute sovereignty over judgment, portraying Him holding a "cup" of wrath. This cup contains potent, "red wine" mixed with bitter ingredients, which the Lord meticulously pours out. The verse emphasizes the inescapable and utter consumption of this judgment by all the wicked of the earth, who are compelled to drain even the most concentrated and bitter "dregs," signifying the full, undiluted, and complete measure of divine retribution for their rebellion and unrighteousness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 75 is a psalm of thanksgiving and a prophetic oracle concerning God's righteous judgment. It opens with the community giving thanks to God for His wondrous works and His manifest presence. The psalmist then shifts to a direct divine declaration from God Himself, asserting that He has a chosen, appointed time to execute righteous judgment (verse 2). This declaration directly precedes verse 8, establishing that the "cup" of wrath is not a random act but an instrument of God's sovereign, perfectly timed, and just judgment. The psalm contrasts the arrogant boasting of the proud and the lifting of horns (symbolizing self-exaltation and power) with God's ultimate control over who is exalted and who is brought low (verses 4-7). Verse 8 serves as the climactic expression of this divine judgment, particularly directed at the wicked, reinforcing the overarching theme that all human authority and pride are utterly subject to God's ultimate decree. The psalm concludes with a reaffirmation of God's power to cut off the horns of the wicked while exalting the righteous.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery of a "cup" as a metaphor for destiny, suffering, or divine wrath was deeply rooted in the ancient Near Eastern (ANE) world and is a pervasive motif throughout biblical literature. In banquets, a cup was a common vessel for drink, and its contents could symbolize either blessing and joy or curse and sorrow. Wine was frequently mixed with spices or other ingredients, sometimes to enhance flavor or potency, but in the context of judgment, such a mixture would signify a bitter, intoxicating, or even deadly concoction. The "dregs" (Hebrew: *shemer*) at the bottom of a wine vessel were considered the most undesirable, impure, and bitter part, often containing sediment. To be forced to drink the dregs therefore emphasized the completeness, severity, and unpleasantness of the judgment. The act of "wringing out" implies a forced, exhaustive consumption, leaving nothing spared. This powerful imagery would have been immediately understood by the original audience as a vivid depiction of inescapable divine retribution.
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 75:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Psalter and broader biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Justice**, asserting that God alone holds the power and prerogative to judge the earth righteously. He is not merely an observer but an active and intentional dispenser of justice, ensuring that wickedness does not go unpunished. Related to this is the theme of **Retribution and Consequences of Sin**, where the "cup of wrath" symbolizes the inevitable and severe recompense for rebellion against God. This verse starkly contrasts the fate of the wicked with the hope offered to the righteous throughout the Psalms, who trust in God's deliverance and mercy. The imagery of the cup also connects to the broader biblical motif of **God's Holy Wrath**, a righteous indignation against sin that is a necessary aspect of His perfect character, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury for the Nations") and [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - Drinking the Wine of God's Wrath"). It underscores that God's patience has limits and that a day of reckoning awaits those who persist in unrighteousness.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** From H3027, this primitive word refers to the open hand, indicating power, means, direction, and control. In the phrase "in the hand of the LORD," it signifies God's active involvement, authority, and complete control over the judgment. It is not an abstract force but a deliberate act carried out by His sovereign power.
* **Cup (Hebrew, _kôwç'_):** From H3563, this term denotes a vessel for containing liquid, often used figuratively to represent a lot or portion, whether of blessing or suffering. Here, it is unequivocally a "cup" of divine wrath, symbolizing the full measure of judgment and suffering that God dispenses. Its presence in God's hand emphasizes His direct administration of this destiny.
* **Dregs (Hebrew, _shemer'_):** From H8105, this word refers to the settlings or lees of wine, the sediment that collects at the bottom of a vessel. These dregs are the most concentrated, impure, and bitter part of the wine, typically discarded. To be forced to consume the "dregs" signifies experiencing the absolute last, most unpleasant, and most potent portion of the judgment, leaving nothing spared or undiluted. It emphasizes the utter completeness and severity of the punishment.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For in the hand of the LORD [there is] a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he poureth out of the same:"** This opening clause establishes God's absolute control and initiative in judgment. The "cup" is not an abstract concept but a tangible instrument held "in the hand of the LORD," signifying His active involvement and sovereign authority. The "red wine" immediately evokes imagery of blood, intense suffering, or fermented potency, while "full of mixture" emphasizes its potent and bitter nature, carefully prepared by divine design. The act of "he poureth out" underscores God's deliberate distribution of this judgment, not randomly, but with precise intent and perfect justice.
* **"but the dregs thereof, all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them]."** This second clause starkly details the inescapable fate of the wicked. The conjunction "but" introduces a strong contrast, highlighting that while God pours out the wine, the wicked are forced to consume its most dreadful part—the "dregs." The phrase "all the wicked of the earth" signifies the universality of this judgment for those who persistently oppose God. The active verbs "wring [them] out, [and] drink [them]" emphasize the inescapable, exhaustive, and complete nature of their punishment. They will not merely sip but will be compelled to drain every last bitter drop, ensuring no portion of God's righteous wrath remains unexperienced.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 75:8 is rich in literary devices that amplify its powerful message of divine judgment. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where the "cup" serves as a profound symbol for God's wrath and judgment. This is not a literal cup, but a conceptual vessel containing the full measure of divine retribution. The "red wine" and "mixture" within the cup are further elements of **Symbolism**, with the color red often associated with blood, violence, or intense suffering, and the mixture representing a potent, bitter concoction of punishment. The "dregs" also function as powerful **Symbolism**, representing the most concentrated, impure, and inescapable part of this judgment. The phrase "all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them]" employs vivid **Imagery** and a form of **Personification**, as the wicked are depicted as actively, albeit unwillingly, participating in their own complete consumption of judgment. The intensity conveyed by "wring out" also borders on **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the extreme and exhaustive nature of the experience, leaving no doubt as to the severity and finality of the judgment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The imagery of the "cup of wrath" in Psalms 75:8 is a profound theological statement on God's character and the nature of sin. It affirms God's absolute holiness and unwavering righteousness, which necessitate a just response to evil. His judgment is not arbitrary or capricious but a just and inevitable consequence for those who persistently reject His rule and walk in wickedness. This verse underscores the biblical truth that sin has severe consequences, and ultimately, every individual will face God's judgment. While the cup signifies wrath for the wicked, it implicitly highlights God's patience and mercy extended to humanity, as judgment is only poured out when His forbearance is exhausted. It serves as a solemn warning, urging humanity to turn from sin and seek refuge in God's grace before the full measure of His righteous indignation is poured out.

* [Jeremiah 25:15](/jeremiah/25-15 "Jeremiah 25:15 - The Cup of God's Fury for the Nations")
* [Isaiah 51:17](/isaiah/51-17 "Isaiah 51:17 - Jerusalem's Cup of Trembling")
* [Revelation 14:10](/revelation/14-10 "Revelation 14:10 - Drinking the Wine of God's Wrath")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 75:8 serves as a sobering reminder of the absolute reality of God's judgment against sin and unrighteousness. The vivid imagery of the cup of wrath, with its red wine, bitter mixture, and inescapable dregs, compels us to confront the seriousness of human rebellion against a holy God. It challenges any notion that sin will go unpunished or that God is indifferent to injustice. For those who are not in Christ, this verse is a stark warning, urging repentance and a turning to the only One who can deliver from the coming wrath. It calls for a humble acknowledgment of our own sinfulness and a desperate plea for mercy. For believers, this passage deepens our appreciation for the immense grace and mercy extended to us through Christ. We are reminded that we, too, deserved to drink from that cup, but through His perfect sacrifice, we have been spared. This truth should inspire profound gratitude, humble obedience, and a compassionate urgency to share the good news of salvation with a world still facing the prospect of drinking from God's cup of judgment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of the "cup of wrath" challenge or deepen your understanding of God's justice and holiness?**
* **What does the phrase "all the wicked of the earth shall wring [them] out, [and] drink [them]" imply about the completeness and inescapability of divine judgment for those who reject God?**
* **In what ways should the truth of God's impending judgment motivate believers in their personal walk of faith and their mission to the world?**
* **How does knowing that Christ drank the cup of wrath for us transform our perspective on this verse and our gratitude for His sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**What is the "mixture" in the cup, and why is it significant?**

Answer: The "mixture" (Hebrew: _meçek_, H4538) refers to wine that has been combined with various spices or other ingredients. In ancient contexts, this could sometimes be done to enhance flavor or potency. However, in the context of divine judgment as depicted in [Psalms 75:8](/psalms/75-8 "Psalms 75:8 - The Cup of God's Wrath"), the "mixture" is significant because it suggests a deliberate concoction designed to intensify the bitterness, intoxicating effect, or overall unpleasantness of the "wine of wrath." It implies that God's judgment is not diluted or mild, but rather a potent and carefully prepared draught that ensures the full measure of retribution is experienced by the wicked. It underscores the severity and completeness of the divine reckoning.

**Does this verse imply that God takes pleasure in punishing the wicked?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that God takes pleasure in punishing the wicked. Rather, it emphasizes His perfect justice and holiness, which necessitate a response to sin and rebellion. While the imagery is severe, it reflects God's righteous indignation against evil, not a sadistic delight in suffering. Scripture consistently teaches that God desires all people to repent and live, as seen in [Ezekiel 33:11](/ezekiel/33-11 "Ezekiel 33:11 - God's Desire for Repentance"). The "cup of wrath" is a consequence of persistent wickedness, a necessary act of divine justice to uphold His moral order and ultimately bring about His righteous kingdom. It is a testament to His unwavering commitment to justice, ensuring that evil does not triumph and that His character as a just and holy God is fully vindicated.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 75:8 finds its profound and ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The terrifying prospect of drinking the "cup" of God's wrath, with its bitter "mixture" and "dregs," is precisely what Jesus faced and willingly embraced on behalf of humanity. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus agonizingly prayed, "My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will" ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus' Prayer in Gethsemane")). This "cup" was not merely physical suffering, but the full, undiluted weight of divine judgment against the sins of the entire world. By drinking this cup to its very "dregs" on the cross, Jesus exhausted God's righteous wrath, making complete atonement for all who believe. His substitutionary sacrifice means that those who trust in Him will never have to drink from the cup of God's judgment, for Christ has drunk it for them. He, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), became sin for us, though He knew no sin, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, Psalms 75:8, while a stark warning of judgment, ultimately points to the profound grace and substitutionary love of Christ, who bore the wrath we deserved, offering us salvation and eternal life ([John 3:16](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God's Love and Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 21:20

His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty.

Jeremiah 25:15

¶ For thus saith the LORD God of Israel unto me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send thee, to drink it.

Psalms 11:6

Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: [this shall be] the portion of their cup.

Revelation 16:19

And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

Revelation 14:9

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive [his] mark in his forehead, or in his hand,

Revelation 14:10

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:

Jeremiah 25:27

Therefore thou shalt say unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Drink ye, and be drunken, and spue, and fall, and rise no more, because of the sword which I will send among you.